Real Labor Tips for Dads
When a woman is in labor, she can be pretty irritable. The pain causes her to sweat, moan and even squeeze her husband’s hand and sometimes the squeeze can be too hard. This was me and probably every other woman who is accompanied by her husband to the delivery room. There are certain things that every husband must know before coming to the delivery room! Here is the list of them:
- There is a side of me that you may have never seen before
Labor brings out some physical, emotional and mental aspects of a woman that her husband may have never seen before. Labor is like going through the trenches. I wish my husband would keep an open mind to the requests or demands I make because at that time my body is going through an extraordinary moment or bringing a human being to the world. Read more about the labor stages here.
- There will be blood
When we see labor scenes in movies, they never give a clear depiction of exactly what goes for a good reason. Giving birth comes with shedding blood. For a man who is afraid of blood, it can be a gory scene. A husband should expect to see blood and be at least comfortable with it for that period.
- It can get scary
One minute I might be having a conversation with the nurse and the next screaming because of the contractions. After the contraction has passed, I may continue having a conversation with the nurse. I wish my husband would know this so that when he comes to the delivery room, he may be supportive when there are contractions and when there are none.
- It is important to capture the moments
Doctors allow husbands to take photos especially when the baby is already out and you hold him for the first time. That is picture perfect moment that should not be traded for anything. It is the time when my husband should get is photography game on and bring out the professional photographer in him. The first moments with the baby are so special and need to be remembered for a lifetime.
- The delivery room is VIP only
I know my husband loves his mom and his family but I would wish that it is just him in the delivery room. It is only him who is allowed to see me in my most vulnerable state.
- He should be cautious with his food and beverage
When my husband comes to the delivery room, he can bring along some candy bars but only whip them out at the right time. At that time, I will not be a great fan of any foods or beverages.
- Sometimes, I may not want him to be around
Labor can last for a while and sometimes, I may not want to see my husband. I may not want him to see me in such a state. He needs to be okay with that.
When the baby comes, there will be such joy to get rid of any scary experience of the delivery room my husband might have had.
Related:
DOULAS: SHOULD YOU HIRE A LABOR COACH AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
HOW TO DEAL WITH LABOR PAINS DURING THE DELIVERY?
